CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release May 17, 2018

Contacts: Amber Sprock I Interpreter, State Indian Museum (916) 445-8115 Adeline Yee I Information Officer (916) 651-8725

State Indian Museum Presents 41st Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” on June 2 Come, Honor and Celebrate California’s Native Elders FREE Admission to Museum and Event SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks and the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation are proud to honor and celebrate California’s Native Elders with the 41st Annual “Gathering of Honored Elders”. With complimentary admission to the event and museum, the community is invited to celebrate this special day and be surrounded by these keepers of the traditions who travel from all over California. The event is taking place Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Indian Museum, 2618 K Street in Sacramento. For more than 40 years, the State Indian Museum has hosted the “Gathering of Honored Elders” event. The museum tells the story of California’s first inhabitants. More than 60 indigenous groups, with multiple smaller bands speaking more than 300 dialects, existed in California before the Spanish explorers and settlers arrived – many years before the Gold Rush. The museum honors them and their understanding and use of natural resources. Visitors also learn about today’s native people – where they live and how they make California their home in the 21st century. Native Americans are not just part of past history, but they continue to be an important and vital part of what makes California diverse and whole. A number of activities will take place at the “Gathering of Honored Elders” event. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Elders and explore the treasured museum. Native American dancers will honor the elders through dance. There will be native arts and crafts vendors, community services organizations, and an Indian Taco booth onsite. Food will be available for purchase. Below is the schedule of events:

“Gathering of Honored Elders” 10 a.m. to Noon

Opening Ceremony, Native Blessing, Northern California Miwok Dancers, Point Arena Manchester Pomo

Noon to 1 p.m.

Luncheon Served to Honored Elders, Reading of the Governor’s Letter, Group Photo of Elders

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Maidu and Aztec Dancers, Event Concludes

For more information about this family-friendly event or other activities happening at the State Indian Museum, please visit the museum’s website or call (916) 324-0971. ### Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news or email us at [email protected]. California State Parks Provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov. Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Periscope I Flickr